Throughout history, the tools humans use have been crafted for utility but decorated by design. The web is a modern tool for communication, and its purpose — its function – is to allow individuals to connect and share information.
The core information on most websites is content about the company that placed the site online: who they are (About Us); where they can be found (Contact Us); what they do (Products and Services). The flip side of the site collects information about its visitors (traffic): where they come from; what pages they visit; what activities they pursued.
That said, all our studies show that well crafted websites meet the goals of the owners and visitors more effectively than poorly crafted sites, and fashionable sites with attractive, intelligent screen designs help to create that effective environment.
What makes a well-designed website?
Good Design
A well-designed website does more than sit on a server looking pretty. It pumps information back and forth between the owner and the customer. To do this, the website needs to be constructed with care, from the beginning, to provide and collect information that benefits both parties, that both sides can use to improve their relationship. The design should include the database, code, platform and programming and extend to the marketing team, sales team, and customer service. It should reflect the needs of the company now and anticipate demands in the future.
Good design is not always flashy. Sometimes the latest, coolest trends are inappropriate for the goals of the company or its customers. A slow-loading video-laden website doesn’t help the frustrated user who wants to find a manual to help them fix a broken tool. A great video that illustrates how to fix that tool once the company knows it breaks too easily, is a different story.
Don’t rush into your design. Don’t be sidetracked by a pretty interface. Plan your website by reflecting on what you want it to tell your visitors and what you want to learn from them. Build those needs into the structure of the site so that you get results which are useful and timely.
A well designed website is more than a pretty interface. Its roots run deep into the database and its results are of value to both company and client. Plan before you begin to execute. Let your goals dictate the design of the database. This affects the structure of the website. Finally, let the design sit atop the structure to guide visitors to great results.
To help get you started, click here to download our guide to website planning.